Testimonials
Disposal Services switched back to Monolec® Power Fluid (7500) after experiencing failures with a different oil, restoring performance.
key takeaways
Challenge
Disposal Services experienced premature transmission failures and sludge buildup after switching from Monolec® Power Fluid (7500) to a 15W-40 engine oil, highlighting the importance of using the correct transmission fluid.
LE solution
Disposal Services switched back to Monolec 7500 for their Allison transmissions in 1994, resulting in the immediate cessation of failures and continued excellent performance.
Results
Switching to 550-gallon bulk tanks of Monolec 7500 and annual transmission oil changes by Disposal Services is estimated to save tens of thousands of dollars in parts, manhours, and productivity.
Customer Profile
Disposal Services of Reno, Nevada, has been an LE customer since 1982. They are a private company providing refuse and recyclable material collection throughout Northwestern Nevada. Disposal Services also operates a large landfill east of the metropolitan Reno-Sparks area.
Application
The fleet of Disposal Services consists of 160 pieces of rolling stock. Peterbilt manufactures a majority of this equipment. Of these, 120 units are equipped with Allison Model 740 transmissions or the newer Allison World transmissions models HD4560 and MD3560.
Challenge
In 1982, Disposal Services upgraded from a commercial grade automatic transmission fluid to Monolec® Power Fluid (7500) in all Allison transmissions. In the intervening years through 1992, excellent results were realized, especially relative to transmission component life. In early 1993, Disposal Services received recommendations to use a 15W-40 engine oil in place of Monolec 7500. All units were converted to a premium grade 15W-40 engine oil supplied by a major oil company. New units received were factory-filled with this oil, as well.
Over the next two years, premature failures began occurring, most notably in some of the newer units. These units included those which had never been filled with Monolec 7500. Upon teardown of the failed units, it was discovered that the transmissions were heavily laden with particulate material and oil sludge.
LE Solution
Remembering their historic success with Monolec 7500, Disposal Services’ operations and maintenance management decided to switch back to it in late 1994. All Allison transmissions were flushed and filled with Monolec 7500. Failures immediately ceased and Disposal Services has continued to experience excellent performance from Monolec 7500.
Results
Monolec 7500 is now purchased in 550 gallon bulk tanks and Disposal Services changes transmission oil in the units annually. Actual dollar savings have not been quantified, but they feel it would certainly be in the tens of thousands of dollars for parts, manhours and lost productivity.